Â Â Â Â The annual March in March trip to Sacramento for students to influence their statewide representatives on education issues is planned for March 4.Â â€œThe March in March is the most important day for student advocacy for community college students,â€ said John Fraser, Associated Students vice president for external affairs. â€œLast year we overturned the cuts to the Cal Grants which would have cut 30 percent of grants for students, simply because of advocacy on that day.â€

Transportation and meals are paid for by the Associated Students.Â Students will have the option of traveling to Sacramento by plane or bus; those traveling by bus will not need government identification to travel.Â Â Â Â Â Â

â€œIt was an amazing event,â€ said Paul Tran, East Asian Culture and Language Major, about attending March in March last year.Â â€œWhen we got there, we rallied with the rest of the colleges, we started marching and screaming for our rights … and headed straight up to the capital. â€Â

According to Simon Fraser, president of Associated Students, while the students are gathered in front of the Capitol building, a 10 to 12 person Lobby Committee from PCC will be inside to talk directly to representatives about what is best for students and PCC.

While the issues to be brought up by the Lobby Committee are not yet finalized, two of the main items are the budget changes to life-long learning â€“ limiting students to 90 subsidized units â€“ and a change to the Board of Governors Fee Waiver, forcing students to apply through FAFSA and pass federal government restrictions rather than the current state restrictions.

To sign up for the trip contact the Office of Student Affairs (CC-105) or email AS President Simon Fraser swfraser@pasadena.edu.Â Students must attend one of two informational meetings.Â Either Feb. 19, noon to 1 p.m., or Feb. 20, 5:45 to 7 p.m., both in the Circadian room.